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Maxis: SimCity launch trouble 'almost behind us'

SimCity has almost scrambled back to its feet following the disastrous launch that left players languishing in queues, thanks to a string of updates and new servers. Maxis claimed over the weekend that the "core problem" of being being unable to play is "almost behind us", and that it has "reduced game crashes by 92% from day one." It also dropped teasing, but slightly contradictory, hints that it may consider adding offline support.

SimCity has almost scrambled back to its feet following the disastrous launch that left players languishing in queues, thanks to a string of updates and new servers. Maxis claimed over the weekend that the "core problem" of being being unable to play is "almost behind us", and that it has "reduced game crashes by 92% from day one." It also dropped teasing, but slightly contradictory, hints that it may consider adding offline support.

"I had hoped to issue an 'All-Clear' tonight, but there are still some elements coming together," Maxis general manager Lucy Bradshaw wrote yesterday. "Tonight and tomorrow we'll be monitoring each server and gameplay metrics to ensure that the service remains strong and game is playing great. We need a few more days of data before we can assure you that the problem is completely solved and the game is running at 100 percent."

Answering a flood of questions on Twitter, Bradshaw and Maxis hinted at a vague glimmer of hope for an offline mode.

"We have no intention of offlining SimCity any time soon but we'll look into that as part of our earning back your trust efforts," read one tweet on Saturday.

That was made confusing 21 minutes later by another tweet stating, "The game was designed for MP, we sim the entire region on the server so [offline] is just not possible."

It appears that multiple people had their fingers in the Twitter pie, though, so the message may have got a bit confused. And just because it's not currently possible, that doesn't mean it couldn't be with work.

For now, wait and hope. And play SimCity now that people can, because it's quite good. People affected by the launch woes will receive a free game too.